In a groundbreaking move, Moist Esports, founded by MoistCr1TiKaL, has merged with Shopify Rebellion, making MoistCr1TiKaL and Ludwig co-owners of one of the largest esports organizations globally. The merger combines Shopify Rebellion’s vast competitive reach with Moist’s strong branding, creating a formidable force in esports.
Shopify Rebellion has expanded aggressively, particularly in 2024, with their entry into the LCS (now LTA North) and consistent success in Valorant Game Changers. Their reach spans multiple games, including Dota 2, Halo, Smash, and more.
This merger comes as a strategic pivot for Moist Esports, which faced financial challenges despite success in Rocket League and Apex Legends. By joining forces with Shopify Rebellion, Moist’s legacy lives on through its co-owners while benefiting from Shopify's financial and competitive structure.
However, the move hasn’t been without sacrifices. Moist’s branding will disappear, and several employees, including their graphic designer, were laid off. Despite these setbacks, the merger is historic, marking the first time a creator-led organization has fully merged with a financially backed giant like Shopify.
This partnership mirrors trends seen with other creator orgs, such as Ibai’s KOI and Disguised Toast’s Disguised, but on an unprecedented scale. With a player roster across numerous titles, Shopify Rebellion now rivals top-tier organizations like Cloud9 and Team Liquid.
This merger sets a new precedent for how creator-driven teams can thrive by partnering with established giants, showing that even in esports’ challenging financial landscape, collaboration can unlock exciting opportunities.
YouTube Titans Unite: Moist Esports and Shopify Rebellion Merge
Comments